As you celebrate America’s Independence today with a few key decisions, remember that children are watching you and learning.

Realize that if you live in the City of Natchez or Adams County and choose to shoot off fireworks, you are knowingly breaking the law and teaching all those watching eyes around you that it’s OK to disobey authority and risk serious injury to others and damage to property.

Authorities have studied the weather conditions and determined that it is not safe to light a fire or any type of fireworks right now. The ground is too dry; the fire risk is too high.

That fact may be a total party pooper, but thousands of residents in Colorado and the Midwest who have lost everything to fire would surely be disgusted to know that across the country people are happily putting themselves at similar risk for a good time.

Follow the law and take this opportunity to teach your children a valuable lesson that living a law-abiding lifestyle is important.

Then, load everyone up and head to the Natchez bluff or Vidalia Riverfront for a professionally handled fireworks show meant for all to enjoy.

A number of local businesses and governments have contributed to give residents a good, safe, free time. Take them up on the offer and enjoy your Fourth without having to call the fire department.